Have your say on proposed Bus Stop Layout Improvements – Norwich Street Bus Terminus
Metlink is seeking your feedback on two proposed bus stop changes:
Buses have historically had trouble turning safely at this location, and passengers wishing to board or disembark - particularly for northbound services - have lacked a safe, dedicated space.
The introduction of a new stop (#5936) will provide a safer boarding and disembarking point at the Norwich Street/Wilton Road intersection, located close to the existing stop (#4936).
This proposal seeks to address these challenges by providing a safer, more accessible, and balanced solution for bus operations, passengers, and residents.
Why are these bus stops being improved?
Norwich Street terminus has long functioned as a bus turning area in the Wilton suburb of Wellington City. It currently includes one formal bus stop (#4936), served by weekday Routes 22 and 13, as well as high-frequency Route 4 services to the Wellington CBD and Strathmore.
A second stop (#5936), previously located on the southern side of the Norwich Street/Wilton Road intersection near 53 Norwich Street, existed informally but was removed from system records following complaints from residents. These concerns primarily related to the lack of a formalised stop location, absence of appropriate standing space, and passengers waiting on private property.
Currently there are limited options for buses to safely terminate and turn around due to the constrained suburban street layout. At present, drivers must wait at the Norwich Street/Wilton Road intersection until stop #4936 becomes available before completing their turn. This can result in the intersection being temporarily blocked, creating safety risks for other road users.
To address these issues, the proposal introduces a dedicated, formal bus stop set back from the intersection (Stop #5936). This would provide a safe waiting area for buses, reducing the need to block the intersection and improving overall safety.
Multiple options were assessed to identify the most effective and balanced solution. The proposed changes would enable buses to safely complete a 180-degree turn at the end of Norwich Street and wait at Stop #5936 until Stop #4936 becomes available. This arrangement would also allow passengers to disembark at a clearly designated and safe location.
Overall, these improvements aim to formalise the terminus layout, provide appropriate passenger infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and respond to concerns raised by the local community.
The Norwich Street terminus accommodates the following bus services:
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High-frequency Route 4 (Strathmore – Newtown – Wellington – University – Mairangi)
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Weekday Routes 22 (Johnsonville – Mairangi – Kelburn – Wellington) and Route 13 (Mairangi – Glenmore Street – Brandon Street)
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School services 619, 744, and 768
Summary of bus stop changes:
Bus Stop #4936 Mairangi – Norwich Street
New Bus Stop #5936
Install 15 metre bus box, a new bus stop sign/pole
A site plan of the proposed layout is available below.
Minimising the impact on parking
Metlink recognise the importance of on-street parking and have worked to reduce the impact on parking by shortening the standard 15 metre entry and exit tapers to 9 metres without compromising safety. Where possible, the placement of bus stop road markings is aligned with existing driveways to avoid reducing available parking space.
Aligning the bus stop design with NZTA’s Public Transport Design Guidelines ensures all passengers can board safely and comfortably - no matter the bus stop’s size or usage.
Have your say
Metlink wants to hear your feedback on the proposed changes to the bus stops and turning area. Please provide feedback by 5pm, Friday 1 May 2026, using one of the following options:
Next steps
Your feedback will help Metlink develop the final proposal, which will be presented to Wellington City Council (WCC) for their consideration. Based on community feedback, changes can be made to the design plan, and then WCC will conduct a final public consultation on the formal Traffic Resolution before submission to Council elected members for review.
If you are a tenant and renting from a landlord, we kindly ask that you share this letter with them for their information and input into this consultation.
Thank you for participating in this process.
